| In defence of Ashton 14:49 - Mar 27 with 3508 views | Westcountryblue |
Amazed reading that fans would be happy to see Ashton resign.
I don't think it can be disputed that inviting Nigel Farage into the club was a naive and pretty poor decision. However, i think Ashton has a fairly good amount of credit in the bank.
When we arrived we were in a total mess. Decrepit stadium, thrusting 17 year olds out on to the pitch only for them to get seriously injured- and in some cases having to partially fund their own ops, players preferring to train and do their rehab in the David Lloyd, woefully inexperienced and understaffed departments, a totally dischenchanted fan base that had been force fed the 'little old Ipswich' mantra as we eagerly awaited our 3 bosman signings of the season, 20 years of absolute nothingness, countless mangerial failures, having our pants consistently pulled down by greaseball agents and the likes of Barry Fry, CEO's and MD's with no footballing experience, bending over backwards at the first sniff of money when bids came in for our top players like Adam Webster...The club was a total shambles and a mess. Fast forward 2026, two promotion later and we a fully refurbished ground, new training facilities coming this summer, 28-29k most weeks in the Championship and a club to be genuinly proud of. Ashton took a massive risk on appointing someone like McKenna and i think if anybody deserves forgiveness, it's him.
The witch hunt, media coverage and indignation of fans that has ensued is quite frankly embarassing. We're overlooking 4-5 years of incredible progress vs 2-3 hours of poor decision making.
I'll get absolutely anhilated on here for this, but we've been lucky to have someone like MA in our corner over the past few years and he's been a greater fighter and ambassador for our club. Downvote all you want, but i for one am pretty grateful for his efforts and haven't forgot those emotional scenes when we were promoted against all odds. [Post edited 27 Mar 14:53]
|  | | |  |
| In defence of Ashton on 16:06 - Mar 27 with 385 views | homer_123 |
| In defence of Ashton on 16:03 - Mar 27 by Westcountryblue |
That feels both absurd and, frankly, a bit insulting to those who live with challenges such as dyslexia. Not everyone who struggles with spelling or punctuation should be casually grouped into a political label or movement as you imply. It's a sweeping and unfair assumption.
It’s also worth considering that many supporters have little to no interest in politics at all and are pretty indifferent to all of this. For some fans in their 20s, the past four or five years have actually been the most enjoyable period they’ve experienced supporting Ipswich. Before that, we endured nearly two decades of little to no success, just disappointment and total stagnation. [Post edited 27 Mar 16:03]
|
Should success come at the cost of the Clubs values and ethos though?
What message does it send when our CEO actively courts meetings with a figure such as Farage and then actively denies and obfuscates the event? |  |
| |
| In defence of Ashton on 16:07 - Mar 27 with 387 views | urbanpenguin |
| In defence of Ashton on 16:03 - Mar 27 by Westcountryblue |
That feels both absurd and, frankly, a bit insulting to those who live with challenges such as dyslexia. Not everyone who struggles with spelling or punctuation should be casually grouped into a political label or movement as you imply. It's a sweeping and unfair assumption.
It’s also worth considering that many supporters have little to no interest in politics at all and are pretty indifferent to all of this. For some fans in their 20s, the past four or five years have actually been the most enjoyable period they’ve experienced supporting Ipswich. Before that, we endured nearly two decades of little to no success, just disappointment and total stagnation. [Post edited 27 Mar 16:03]
|
OK, two things here. I am not saying "all people who have dyslexia are right wing", I am observing a regular occurence specifically of spaces before punctuation and quite hateful viewpoints.
On the second point, as has been said on many, many threads, people are by and large angry here less because of political views but the way in which Farage abused hospitality for no actual interest in the club, just leveraging clout, and then the club's lies. |  | | |
| In defence of Ashton on 16:08 - Mar 27 with 382 views | MattinLondon |
| In defence of Ashton on 15:10 - Mar 27 by Westcountryblue |
Let's just remember all of those who came before...Sheepshanks, Bowden, Clegg, Milne...all people with zero industry experience who totally had their pants pulled down. Our last MD, Ian Milne had the presence and aura of a Waitrose manager.
This industry is cut throat, full of greaseballs and while MA might have his faults, he's probably someone you want on your side of the ring in this business. [Post edited 27 Mar 15:11]
|
Most of the people you listed were employed by Marcus Evans, a man who managed to get almost every decision wrong. You cannot compare ME and his CEOs to now - if Ashton leaves, he will be replaced by someone with experience within football and who the owners trust. |  | | |
| He Ran Away From Adversity (n/t) on 16:10 - Mar 27 with 372 views | ScottCandage |
|  | | |
| In defence of Ashton on 16:12 - Mar 27 with 350 views | homer_123 |
| In defence of Ashton on 16:03 - Mar 27 by ReusersTown |
Of course he should go, your logic makes no sense. What exactly do you think he's going to be contributing to the next 8 games on the pitch? Or have you so far decended into his backside that you genuinely believe he's responsible for our promotions.
You appear to think its shortsighted to want to protect or at least salvage the reputation of the club, just for the sake of Ashton hanging around.
You've been spouting completely contradictory nonsense all thread. It's like you're living in upside down world.
I actually am apolitical, and I'm furious.
I also object to the fact that you seem to be pedalling that this is all accidental. You think he didn't know that an invited visit from Farage would be divisive? Just what are you thinking. [Post edited 27 Mar 16:06]
|
"You think he didn't know that an invited visit from Farage would be divisive? Just what are you thinking."
The fact the Club didn't publicise it and, by the looks of it, a lot of staff were not aware it was happening, tells you 'exactly' what we need to know here.
If the Club thought it a non-issue and no backlash it would have been promoted and publicised. | |
| |
| In defence of Ashton on 16:16 - Mar 27 with 333 views | PaulYoungs |
| In defence of Ashton on 15:30 - Mar 27 by Ryorry |
Sheepy made errors yes, but at least he did so because he thought he was furthering the interests **of ITFC** in doing so - he was a genuine fan - (& btw our going into administration was at least as much due to the withdrawal of TV funding as to the cash spent on new stands etc).
*Not* like MA, whose self-inflicted Faragegate & cover-up were down entirely to his own self-promotion and ego, at the expense of the Club, players, fans & staff. |
Tell that to all the small businesses he put out of business | | | |
| In defence of Ashton on 16:16 - Mar 27 with 334 views | Westcountryblue |
| In defence of Ashton on 16:03 - Mar 27 by ReusersTown |
Of course he should go, your logic makes no sense. What exactly do you think he's going to be contributing to the next 8 games on the pitch? Or have you so far decended into his backside that you genuinely believe he's responsible for our promotions.
You appear to think its shortsighted to want to protect or at least salvage the reputation of the club, just for the sake of Ashton hanging around.
You've been spouting completely contradictory nonsense all thread. It's like you're living in upside down world.
I actually am apolitical, and I'm furious.
I also object to the fact that you seem to be pedalling that this is all accidental. You think he didn't know that an invited visit from Farage would be divisive? Just what are you thinking. [Post edited 27 Mar 16:06]
|
The irony here is that you're accusing me of being short-sighted while advocating for the most short-sighted move possible.
You don’t rip the CEO out of a large, complex organisation at the most critical stage of the season without causing significant disruption. This isn’t a five-a-side team for christ sake, it’s a multi-million-pound football club with operational, commercial, and staffing structures that don’t just neatly carry once the CEO is ejected.
It’s also incredibly naïve to assume that Ashton would simply leave in isolation. Many of his team worked with him prior to their association with Ipswich Town FC, and getting rid of him now risks destabilising the wider leadership structure, distorting communication, and creating a period of uncertainty right when stability is most important. All of that, during the business end of the season, when the club and fans should entirely be focused on pushing for promotion.
So yes , I’d argue it’s far more short-sighted to prioritise personal indignation over the stability of the club and it's immediate aim of returning to the Premiership. | | | |
| In defence of Ashton on 16:19 - Mar 27 with 311 views | Westcountryblue |
| In defence of Ashton on 16:07 - Mar 27 by urbanpenguin |
OK, two things here. I am not saying "all people who have dyslexia are right wing", I am observing a regular occurence specifically of spaces before punctuation and quite hateful viewpoints.
On the second point, as has been said on many, many threads, people are by and large angry here less because of political views but the way in which Farage abused hospitality for no actual interest in the club, just leveraging clout, and then the club's lies. |
''genuinely, I only see spaces before punctuation from people who generally hold right wing views''
Your own words. Own them ! | | | |
Login to get fewer ads
| In defence of Ashton on 16:19 - Mar 27 with 306 views | homer_123 |
| In defence of Ashton on 16:16 - Mar 27 by Westcountryblue |
The irony here is that you're accusing me of being short-sighted while advocating for the most short-sighted move possible.
You don’t rip the CEO out of a large, complex organisation at the most critical stage of the season without causing significant disruption. This isn’t a five-a-side team for christ sake, it’s a multi-million-pound football club with operational, commercial, and staffing structures that don’t just neatly carry once the CEO is ejected.
It’s also incredibly naïve to assume that Ashton would simply leave in isolation. Many of his team worked with him prior to their association with Ipswich Town FC, and getting rid of him now risks destabilising the wider leadership structure, distorting communication, and creating a period of uncertainty right when stability is most important. All of that, during the business end of the season, when the club and fans should entirely be focused on pushing for promotion.
So yes , I’d argue it’s far more short-sighted to prioritise personal indignation over the stability of the club and it's immediate aim of returning to the Premiership. |
I ask you again. That aim of returning to the Premiership, at what cost should this come at? | |
| |
| In defence of Ashton on 16:21 - Mar 27 with 296 views | PaulYoungs |
| In defence of Ashton on 16:16 - Mar 27 by Westcountryblue |
The irony here is that you're accusing me of being short-sighted while advocating for the most short-sighted move possible.
You don’t rip the CEO out of a large, complex organisation at the most critical stage of the season without causing significant disruption. This isn’t a five-a-side team for christ sake, it’s a multi-million-pound football club with operational, commercial, and staffing structures that don’t just neatly carry once the CEO is ejected.
It’s also incredibly naïve to assume that Ashton would simply leave in isolation. Many of his team worked with him prior to their association with Ipswich Town FC, and getting rid of him now risks destabilising the wider leadership structure, distorting communication, and creating a period of uncertainty right when stability is most important. All of that, during the business end of the season, when the club and fans should entirely be focused on pushing for promotion.
So yes , I’d argue it’s far more short-sighted to prioritise personal indignation over the stability of the club and it's immediate aim of returning to the Premiership. |
What makes me laugh is the majority of keyboard warriors getting upset don’t even go to the games | | | |
| In defence of Ashton on 16:24 - Mar 27 with 288 views | homer_123 |
| In defence of Ashton on 16:21 - Mar 27 by PaulYoungs |
What makes me laugh is the majority of keyboard warriors getting upset don’t even go to the games |
Getting into bed with a known racist, misogynist, antisemite and all round grifter is a good thing?
Followed by our CEO denying and obfuscating events?
I'm not entirely sure what 'going to games' has to do with how you'd perceive the above? [Post edited 27 Mar 16:25]
| |
| |
| In defence of Ashton on 16:25 - Mar 27 with 284 views | bicester_blue |
| In defence of Ashton on 16:16 - Mar 27 by Westcountryblue |
The irony here is that you're accusing me of being short-sighted while advocating for the most short-sighted move possible.
You don’t rip the CEO out of a large, complex organisation at the most critical stage of the season without causing significant disruption. This isn’t a five-a-side team for christ sake, it’s a multi-million-pound football club with operational, commercial, and staffing structures that don’t just neatly carry once the CEO is ejected.
It’s also incredibly naïve to assume that Ashton would simply leave in isolation. Many of his team worked with him prior to their association with Ipswich Town FC, and getting rid of him now risks destabilising the wider leadership structure, distorting communication, and creating a period of uncertainty right when stability is most important. All of that, during the business end of the season, when the club and fans should entirely be focused on pushing for promotion.
So yes , I’d argue it’s far more short-sighted to prioritise personal indignation over the stability of the club and it's immediate aim of returning to the Premiership. |
We aren’t particularly complex and any large organisation is designed to function without a single point of failure. Sure, there will be some things that the CFO isn’t currently authorised to approve but you can get round that. CEOs leave all the time in companies much larger than Ipswich Town. We’ll be absolutely fine if he were to go. | | | |
| In defence of Ashton on 16:25 - Mar 27 with 283 views | Westcountryblue |
| In defence of Ashton on 16:19 - Mar 27 by homer_123 |
I ask you again. That aim of returning to the Premiership, at what cost should this come at? |
Well, to start with, £100 million in direct broadcasting income...
I can see why groups of supports are angry, but there are also a large amount of fans like myself that really have zero interest in politics and just enjoy the football side of things. I just don't think now is the time to make that decision. Launch an inquest at the end of the season or what have you. But, my overwelming feeling is that we should try and support the club, players and owners for the remainder of the season. Dialogue and action can take place after that. | | | |
| In defence of Ashton on 16:28 - Mar 27 with 272 views | homer_123 |
| In defence of Ashton on 16:25 - Mar 27 by Westcountryblue |
Well, to start with, £100 million in direct broadcasting income...
I can see why groups of supports are angry, but there are also a large amount of fans like myself that really have zero interest in politics and just enjoy the football side of things. I just don't think now is the time to make that decision. Launch an inquest at the end of the season or what have you. But, my overwelming feeling is that we should try and support the club, players and owners for the remainder of the season. Dialogue and action can take place after that. |
So, you're happy to gain promotion and success at the expense of our values and ethos? | |
| |
| In defence of Ashton on 16:30 - Mar 27 with 264 views | Westcountryblue |
| In defence of Ashton on 16:25 - Mar 27 by bicester_blue |
We aren’t particularly complex and any large organisation is designed to function without a single point of failure. Sure, there will be some things that the CFO isn’t currently authorised to approve but you can get round that. CEOs leave all the time in companies much larger than Ipswich Town. We’ll be absolutely fine if he were to go. |
With respect, while ITFC isn’t a particularly large organisation in terms of numbers, it is a very complex one that requires incredibly niche skills and experience that cannot easily be recruited from wider industries (as we have found before). It would be extremely difficult to replace key individuals and expect others to pick up the reins at such short notice. There would inevitably be a transitional phase, as with any organisation, but it would likely be felt more acutely here given where we find ourselves in terms of the league and number of games remaining. | | | |
| In defence of Ashton on 16:32 - Mar 27 with 243 views | BlueBadger |
| In defence of Ashton on 16:05 - Mar 27 by hunty21 |
Its social media not an essay fed up of people knitwear picking grammer and you out an extra space after a comma .... |
It's a forum, actually.
Why can none the patriotic crowd actually communicate in English? |  |
| |
| In defence of Ashton on 16:35 - Mar 27 with 237 views | ReusersTown |
| In defence of Ashton on 16:16 - Mar 27 by Westcountryblue |
The irony here is that you're accusing me of being short-sighted while advocating for the most short-sighted move possible.
You don’t rip the CEO out of a large, complex organisation at the most critical stage of the season without causing significant disruption. This isn’t a five-a-side team for christ sake, it’s a multi-million-pound football club with operational, commercial, and staffing structures that don’t just neatly carry once the CEO is ejected.
It’s also incredibly naïve to assume that Ashton would simply leave in isolation. Many of his team worked with him prior to their association with Ipswich Town FC, and getting rid of him now risks destabilising the wider leadership structure, distorting communication, and creating a period of uncertainty right when stability is most important. All of that, during the business end of the season, when the club and fans should entirely be focused on pushing for promotion.
So yes , I’d argue it’s far more short-sighted to prioritise personal indignation over the stability of the club and it's immediate aim of returning to the Premiership. |
Well you're wrong I'm afraid. As I asked before what is it exactly you think Ashton contributes to on pitch performance in the next weeks which mean it would be unthinkable for him to be removed. You think he's in there giving them all a rub down? What he actually is is a divisive figure who whilst he remains is causing disharmony in the dressing room as reported, that doesn't seem to fit your agenda though. | | | |
| In defence of Ashton on 16:35 - Mar 27 with 237 views | Ralphinho |
I agree, it would be a shame for his tenure to end like this and all of the successes he has brought the club to be 'undone'.
He should therefore apologise, wholeheartedly. Admit his error and look to make it up to the fans and start rebuilding trust.
Until then, I am of the opinion that he needs to leave. The longer this silence goes on, the less genuine and acceptable any remorse and apology will feel. |  |
| |
| In defence of Ashton on 16:38 - Mar 27 with 230 views | Westcountryblue |
| In defence of Ashton on 16:28 - Mar 27 by homer_123 |
So, you're happy to gain promotion and success at the expense of our values and ethos? |
“Our values and ethos”. Is that referring to the fan base and club as a collective, or to the values and ethos held by a particular group of fans? As I’ve mentioned before, many supporters see Ipswich Town FC simply as a football club, nothing more, nothing less. To be honest, i'm one of those and i am wrong to say that i just enjoy watching a sucessful ITFC side and not really into all of the other stuff?
There is no concrete evidence that Ashton and Wehren are ardent Reform supporters. The club hasn't formally taken any sides politically, but that doesn’t mean it can’t enter into dialogue with wider stakeholders. I think we’ve only seen one half of the story and some groups of fans have been very quick to leap down onto the Senate floor and start sticking the knife in. | | | |
| In Further Defence of Ashton on 16:39 - Mar 27 with 231 views | EatonBlue |
Generally, I am in agreement with you. Some people on here have over-reacted and not looked at the bigger picture.
I have worked with CEO's and in fact I am a CEO myself, albeit for a much smaller company than ITFC. Political manoeuvring is part and parcel of being a CEO, as is being economical with the truth on occasions. That is just business, like it or not.
Going back to politics, the Club is particularly involved with the local authority in terms of forward planning. We have local elections coming up in May. Supposing that the political complexion of the local authority changes and Reform are the largest party? ITFC would then be negotiating with them. |  | | |
| In defence of Ashton on 16:40 - Mar 27 with 226 views | thebeat |
| In defence of Ashton on 14:58 - Mar 27 by bluelagos |
He did.
|
Yet they've waited until now to bring this up? I call bu****it | | | |
| In defence of Ashton on 16:42 - Mar 27 with 220 views | thebeat |
Absolutely bang on. People putting their own feelings about an incident including a man they don't like over the club's future success on and off the field. They clearly don't care about the club as much as they make out | | | |
| In defence of Ashton on 16:42 - Mar 27 with 218 views | cressi |
No defence for lying and being caught out the people who believed and trusted him no longer do it's over Mr Ashton. | | | |
| In defence of Ashton on 16:43 - Mar 27 with 216 views | bartyg |
| In defence of Ashton on 16:38 - Mar 27 by Westcountryblue |
“Our values and ethos”. Is that referring to the fan base and club as a collective, or to the values and ethos held by a particular group of fans? As I’ve mentioned before, many supporters see Ipswich Town FC simply as a football club, nothing more, nothing less. To be honest, i'm one of those and i am wrong to say that i just enjoy watching a sucessful ITFC side and not really into all of the other stuff?
There is no concrete evidence that Ashton and Wehren are ardent Reform supporters. The club hasn't formally taken any sides politically, but that doesn’t mean it can’t enter into dialogue with wider stakeholders. I think we’ve only seen one half of the story and some groups of fans have been very quick to leap down onto the Senate floor and start sticking the knife in. |
If you just like successful football clubs, could I suggest Manchester City? |  |
| |
| In defence of Ashton on 16:43 - Mar 27 with 209 views | Westcountryblue |
| In defence of Ashton on 16:35 - Mar 27 by ReusersTown |
Well you're wrong I'm afraid. As I asked before what is it exactly you think Ashton contributes to on pitch performance in the next weeks which mean it would be unthinkable for him to be removed. You think he's in there giving them all a rub down? What he actually is is a divisive figure who whilst he remains is causing disharmony in the dressing room as reported, that doesn't seem to fit your agenda though. |
The CEO makes a huge number of key decisions on a daily basis in any organisation. Are you implying that the removal of a CEO and executive leadership would have no immediate impact on wider areas of the football club — most notably the manager, whom he recruited, who's very job needs constant support and attention.
I’m genuinely interested in your take, as you seem very sure of what you’re saying. I’ll happily be proved wrong if that’s the case. | | | |
| |
By continuing to use the site, you agree to our use of cookies and to abide by our Terms and Conditions.
